15 Candy Cane Nails That Still Look Grown-Up
Candy cane nail ideas that look chic: thin red and white stripes, candy cane French tips, peppermint swirls, accent nails and chrome stripes on short and almond nails.
The palette
Candy cane nails are one of the most searched Christmas designs, and it is easy to see why. Red and white stripes say Christmas instantly. The challenge is making them look stylish rather than like a craft project.
The secret is restraint. Use thin stripes, leave some nails plain, and keep the base clean. These fifteen ideas show how.
How to make candy cane nails look chic
Keep stripes thin. Fine diagonal lines look elegant. Thick bands look cartoonish.
Use them as an accent. One or two striped nails per hand with plain red or nude nails around them looks planned.
Try a sheer base. Candy cane tips on a sheer pink base feel modern and light.
Play with finish. Red chrome or velvet stripes make the trend feel grown-up.
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1. Classic Candy Stripe Accent
One nail with thin red and white diagonal stripes, the rest glossy red. This is the easiest way to wear the trend.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Red with stripe accent
- Salon level
- Moderate
Would you wear this?
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2. Candy Cane French
Red and white stripes on the tips only, with a sheer pink base. Chic and playful.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Sheer with striped tips
- Salon level
- Advanced
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3. Milky Candy Stripe
Thin red stripes on a milky white base. Softer than pure white.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Milky with red stripes
- Salon level
- Moderate
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Read next30 Christmas Nail Ideas for Every Style
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4. Peppermint Swirl
A red and white swirl like a peppermint sweet on one nail.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Peppermint swirl
- Salon level
- Advanced
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5. Red Chrome Stripes
Fine red chrome stripes on a sheer base. Shiny and modern.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Chrome with nail art
- Shade
- Sheer with red chrome
- Salon level
- Advanced
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6. Single Stripe Line
One thin diagonal red line across each nude nail. Minimal and clever.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Nude with red line
- Salon level
- Moderate
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7. Candy Cane and Gold
Candy stripes with a thin gold line between each red stripe.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Red, white and gold
- Salon level
- Advanced
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8. Pink Candy Cane
Soft pink and white stripes for a sweeter take.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Pink and white
- Salon level
- Moderate
-
9. Green Candy Cane
Pine green and white stripes. Unexpected and festive.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Green and white
- Salon level
- Moderate
-
10. Striped Half Moon
Candy stripes inside a half moon at the cuticle.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Nude with striped half moon
- Salon level
- Advanced
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11. Velvet Red with Stripe
Red velvet cat-eye with one striped accent nail.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Velvet cat-eye
- Shade
- Red velvet with stripes
- Salon level
- Advanced
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12. Matte Candy Cane
Matte white with glossy red stripes. The texture contrast looks modern.
- Shape
- Square
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Matte with nail art
- Shade
- Matte white with red
- Salon level
- Moderate
-
13. Mini Candy Canes
Tiny painted candy cane shapes on a sheer base.
- Shape
- Oval
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Gloss with nail art
- Shade
- Sheer with mini canes
- Salon level
- Advanced
-
14. Candy Cane Ombre
Red fading to white at the tip, with thin stripes on one nail.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Medium
- Finish
- Gloss
- Shade
- Red to white
- Salon level
- Advanced
-
15. Glitter Candy Stripe
Red glitter stripes on a white base. Sparkly and fun.
- Shape
- Almond
- Length
- Short
- Finish
- Glitter with nail art
- Shade
- White with red glitter
- Salon level
- Moderate
How to ask your nail tech
Say "thin diagonal candy cane stripes" and show a photo. Tell them how many nails you want striped. Ask whether they use striping tape or freehand. Freehand looks more delicate.
How to do them at home
Striping tape is your friend. Lay it diagonally on a dry white base, paint red over it, and peel the tape off while the polish is still wet. Seal with top coat.
Our pick
The classic stripe accent on glossy red, or candy cane French tips for something lighter.
For more festive looks, see Christmas nails, Christmas French tips and short Christmas nails.
Your questions, answered
How do you make candy cane nails at home?
Paint a white or sheer base, let it dry, then use striping tape or a thin brush to add diagonal red lines. Finish with top coat.
Are candy cane nails tacky?
Not if you keep the stripes thin and use them on one or two nails. A sheer or nude base keeps them stylish.
What shape suits candy cane nails?
Almond and oval show diagonal stripes best. Short squoval also works if you keep the stripes very fine.
Can I wear candy cane nails after Christmas?
They are very Christmassy, so most people switch after Boxing Day. Keep the red base and remove the stripes for a quick update.
How long do candy cane nails take at the salon?
Allow 15 to 30 minutes extra for the stripes, depending on how many nails you choose.
Part of our guide: The Holiday Nail Guide
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